From the Archives - Burka Clad

Earlier this year when I visited my friend Anita in Dubai, we also went to Abu Dhabi which is the capital of the country, United Arab Emirates. Dubai is one of the most lenient states, while Abu Dhabi is relatively a little more conservative.

We visited the world mosque which allowed non-Muslims to enter but required the females to be in 'burka' and the males to be in trousers and shirt, or they had to wear the national outfit, which is known as the 'kandura'. Burqa and Kandura, both were available at the mosque to borrow, for no cost. They were clean and fresh as they were put to wash by the management after every wear.

I felt absolutely comfortable in a burka. In fact it almost came naturally to me. I felt über feminine, lady-like and wonderful walking around in it. Really! *Cross-my-heart* I think I must have worn it a lot in my previous birth, 'coz I loved it so much. In the first two shots below, I am looking like a typical Arab woman who are often seen wearing bright lipstick, on the phone and holding a designer bag.

You look great as you have been able to jazz it up with the shades and pink handbag. In certain regimes women won't be allowed to do that or even show their face or wear makeup so I guess it would look very different then and also be oppressive.

While I think your beautiful face looks lovely framed by material, I am opposed to what a burqa stands for. It is patriarchal indoctrination.

As a feminist I cannot support something that screams to me, that a woman's worth is determined by how pure she keeps herself through male subjugation or through the 'choice' she has made according to a misguided sense of peiety.

I have to say, Tanvii, that you never cease to amaze me. Everytime I see a new Post, or a photo of your latest Outfits, I just smile and shake my head. You're so talented! I love your thoughts,stories connected with each outfit,you beat the best of designer clad womens even in this Burka!!!http://fashionquotient.blogspot.com

You look lovely. I see your point that we sometimes can we more beautiful covered up. Shawls in general are beautiful and when I visit holy places such as orthodox church or Mosques I gladly cover up out of respect.

I feel the need to point out though that those women you see with lipstick and chanel bags are not chosing to be covered up but are forced. If some one decides for herself to use hidjab because of her faith then she dosn't wear make up because that contradicts the entire thought and reason behind the hidjab. That is what upsets me, women being forced to cover up. If someone choses to be covered- that's fine by me... I can go on about this for ever. Having middle eastern roots this is a very interesting topic for me.

Hmm... interesting. I can see how and why you like it. For me, the very idea is... strange. Thinking about it, I believe wearing a burka would be oddly invigorating. A sort of cross-cultural affirmation of femaleness. Actually, I like that. Thanks for the intriguing question!

I think you look great! I have never worn a head-to-toe covering like that, and don't think I would unless the situation required it (e.g. visiting a similar type of mosque). I can imagine how feminine it must have felt because I feel the same way when I wear long, flowy dresses! And I think it can be very flattering to cover your head partially with some hair peeking out the way you have. I do that sometimes if I am wearing a salwar kameez. :)

A Muslim woman should be able to choose what she wears and not have it forced upon her. It's not meant to be a patriarchal indoctrination in any way. If you're forced to wear it, that goes against what Islam is all about. So I feel that it's actually a form of freedom for many women- IF they choose to wear it.

it's interesting because you have such an individual style so it seems like you wouldn't really enjoy the burka. but at the same time, you are very good at layering and draping and flowy skirts that this actually makes a ton of sense.

I won't say I'm particularly thrilled at the idea of 'having to' wear something,be it a 'burqa' or a 'bikini'.I can't stand anyone stating the rules for me.I'm sure the mosque was a treat to your eyes but I won't have bothered taking a look at it if it 'required' me to follow their dress code.But you look gorgeous nonetheless.The black looks fab against your skin tone.

Whatever u put u look FAB, unbelievable!!!!:D I love the vibrant pop of pink!! U know hun, u're so right about typical Arab woman!! I was the witness of that while working one summer in Egypt, in one resort!!:)kissesJelenahttp://glamfabchameleon.blogspot.com/

I like your burka but I like your hair with bangs too! Have you thought about growing them out again? I know they're pretty high maintenance...the trimming and getting in your face. Nevertheless the pictures are so pretty.

These pics are so cool. eventhough you are so covered you look really chic and I like the bright handbag. That is so cool you got to go to Dubai. I'd love to go there one day...no I've never worn a Burka, yet :)

Nope - never worn one although I might if I was travelling and it required me to. Plus you have still managed to make it your own :)

For me it'd be great for a once-in-a-while thing because I then have the choice to take it off and wear something else the next day if I wanted to. But I can see how some women would get used to it and even prefer it.

Hello Tanveer...that is if you lived in this part of the world..you look very nice in the burqa outfit and i can't get over how "Arabized" you look with the bright pink lipstick, the designer handbag and the mobile..